WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps today celebrated an important step forward for the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area Act, H.R. 3534.  Congresswoman Capps’ legislation to preserve the Piedras Blancas Light Station passed the Resources Committee today, and she hopes that the legislation will come before the full House for consideration soon.

 Congresswoman Capps’ bill would designate the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station as an Outstanding Natural Area, and place it under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Landscape Conservation System.   Designating the Piedras Blancas Light Station as an Outstanding Natural Area will offer enhanced protection for the site as well as providing access to additional federal funding for repairs and restoration projects.  It will also serve as a means to increase public awareness of the Light Station’s scientific, cultural and educational values. Capps has been working closely with a coalition of local, state, and federal officials, community members and the Bureau of Land Management to preserve the Light Station and the surrounding areas. 

“This is great news for the Piedras Blancas Light Station preservation effort,” said Capps.  “The Resources Committee’s vote of approval is a significant step forward as we work to make this bill law.  The Piedras Blancas Light Station and the surrounding area is a wonderful resource for the public and I am dedicated to restoring and maintaining it for future generations.  Hopefully this legislation will continue to make progress quickly and come before the full House for a vote in the near future.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.